Author: Steve
Date: 3/12/2007 10:04 pm EDT
I do not have a retailer in my vicinity in WA State. What can I expect to pay for this product? I have a 10 X 10 Kitchen and 3 small bathrooms I want to tile.

Author: Jonathan
Date: 3/15/2007 11:09 pm EDT
Here are a few factors to consider when comparing the cost of Avaire tile to traditional tile:

1) The suggested retail price of a comparable quality porcelain tile is typically in the $3.00 to $5.00 psf range.
2) Backer-board and other materials typically required for tradtional tile can add anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
3) Removal of existing vinyl or other flooring can cost between $1.00 and $3.00 per square foot.
4) Basic labor rates to install traditional tile varies broadly across the US. As low as $2.00 psf in a few areas, averaging $4.50 psf, even higher in many areas. Add another $1.00 to $2.50 psf for backerboard installation labor.
5) Patterns or any other special features can add dollars to the installation labor.

The bottom line is that a quality porcelain traditional tile professionally installed averages $10 to $14 per square foot (more in some areas, less in others). For an average 250 sf floor, you can save anywhere from $750 to $1750 by installing Avaire yourself! And hundreds of homeowners who have never installed tile before have achieved professional looking results!

Professional installers are embracing Avaire because they can install Avaire significantly faster than traditional tile, and they are not restricted from installing Avaire in situations that would be unsuitable for traditional tile. While every professional installer establishes their own labor rates, we uniformly are hearing that pro's are willing to install Avaire for less than traditional tile because they are more productive with Avaire.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for Avaire Tile ranges from $6 to $8 per sf. Of course, each retailer has latitude in establishing their price point based on their location, transportation costs, services, etc. (E.g., retailers in Hawaii have a higher price point due to transportation costs).

Obviously, one can purchase $0.59 clearance tile, other low-cost materials, and do-it-yourself for less than these figures. For those who choose this path, more power to them.

The best test is to get a bid for professionally installed porcelain tile - see for yourself what you will save by installing Avaire yourself. When all of the true costs are taken into account, we think you will find that Avaire is an excellent value!